2018 Toyota 86 Review, Specs, Price, Release Dates

It’s easy to mention the 2018 Toyota 86 shortcomings. It’s small inside, with limited passenger and cargo space, it’s not particularly comfortable, especially for tall drivers, and the technology its owns feels really outdated. The 2018 Toyota 86 has also only received modest improvements over the years, so it’s slower than many competitors. Finally, Toyota has never improved the cars lack of midrange power.

But it is undeniable that 86 remains a fun coupe to drive. It provides a sporty experience even when you just drive around the city. It’s always interesting, and it’s the kind of car that begs to be pushed harder, it’s just too bad it runs out of steam before too long.

However, market competition has evolved, and there are many high-performance coupes on the road today at almost the same price. It is not easy to recommend the 2018 Toyota 86 over the competition as the FR-S was back when it first debuts.

Trim levels and features

The 2018 Toyota 86 is small sport coupe comes in two trim levels: the base and 86 GT.

Toyota offers more than a dozen optional dealer-installed accessories for the base 86, including a performance exhaust, larger wheels, a navigation system, upgraded braking and suspension components.

The 2018 Toyota 86 GT is distinguished by an aerodynamic underbody panel, LED foglights, a rear spoiler, dual-zone automatic climate control, push-button ignition, heated and leather front seats with contrast stitching, a 4.2-inch display that monitors performance driving parameters such as real-time engine power use and cornering force. The optional Black package for the GT adds black exterior accents but identically equipped.

The 2018 Toyota 86 is powered by a 2.0-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine generating 205 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque when equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. Power drop slightly to 200 hp and 151 lb-ft when paired to a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and rev-matched downshifts. The 86 is rear-wheel-drive only.

In performance testing, a manual-equipped 2018 Toyota 86 accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, quick, although not as fast as more powerful but heavier sport coupes. The automatic need 7.7 seconds to reach 60 mph.

Interior

Toyota has made some concessions for style or luxury in the 2018 86 cabin. It is an environment that emphasizes driving, punctuated by a combination of Toyota and Subaru switchgear and materials. The 86 cockpit looks a bit simpler than other compact sports cars in its price range, but it also feels like an original back-to-basics driver’s car. Touches of silver-tone trim around the previously all-black interior help brighten the 2018 Toyota 86 a bit.

The 2018 Toyota 86 front seats are comfortable for a long-distance trip while providing strong support for the spirit driving. Drivers of any size can find suitable driving positions, and low-profile hoods provide a wide view of the road ahead. The 86 technology package is like the car itself, minimal. While we don’t specifically mind the lack of functionality, it will even better if Toyota included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.

In the rear seat, the legroom is very limited, head near the rear glass and the center tunnel blocking the hips space. The trunk space is very small at 6.9 cubic feet, but folding the most useless rear seats extends cargo carrying capacity significantly.

Release date and price

Official price for the entry-level Toyota 86 start at $27,800 (includes an $895 destination charge). The 86’s GT trim starts at $29,280. A six-speed automatic transmission is available on either trim for an additional $720.